Video: School damaged after yob went on rampage in stolen digger

The £20,000 machine was stolen from a compound at Stoneleigh Primary School where it was being used by contractors on a new £1.1m extension. The vandal made two large holes in a building and smashed through a steel fence before torching the mini-digger.

A yob stole a digger and went on a rampage through a Derker primary school.

The £20,000 machine was stolen from a compound at Stoneleigh Primary School where it was being used by contractors on a new £1.1m extension.

The vandal made two large holes in a building and smashed through a steel fence before torching the mini-digger.

Coun Hugh McDonald, education spokesman for Oldham council, condemned the act and urged the community bring whoever was responsible to justice.

He said: "I hope the culprit's parents and the community take responsibility for finding whoever did this.

"This was a mindless act of vandalism that has damaged a building which is there to improve opportunities for local young people."

Firefighters from Oldham and Chadderton were called by residents at 9pm on Sunday. They found the blazing digger stuck in a ditch and perilously close to the new extension of the Vulcan Street school.

Watch commander Mark Williams at at Oldham fire station said the school could have gone up in flames.

He said: "It was very fortunate that we got the call quickly and got up there. The digger which was totally on fire was very close to the building. A few minutes later and the building could have gone up. This is not a prank. This could have had huge financial cost."

Contractors arrived on Monday morning to find two holes in the new extension which will house the school's new nursery and reception classes.

The council is currently analysing the damage to the building.

Coun McDonald added: "I would like to reassure residents that the damage to the building will be repaired in a few days and this will not affect the completion of the works."

Anyone who has any information should contact the police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555111.